Abstract:

Most language learning materials primarily cater to the psychological needs of children and young adults, overlooking the unique requirements of older learners. This disparity leaves a gap in resources tailored for the elderly, who have different learning paces, cognitive strengths, and motivations. Addressing this imbalance could make language learning more accessible and enjoyable for seniors, fostering intellectual growth and social connections in their golden years.

In this article the authors share their own experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language in a group of Russian speakers aged 65 to 72. Most of the students in the group can speak English (level A1 to B1), but learning a new language has become a real challenge for them. And the use of language learning resources that students aged 18 to 25 find appealing made them experience a sense of shock and disorientation. The vibrant, fast-paced, and fragmented nature of these materials has proved to be inadequate for our students. As we found out, the clip-based thinking prevalent among younger generations, characterized by rapid information processing and multitasking, contrasts with the learning styles typically preferred by seniors, who favour a more sequential, methodical approach to learning, with a focus on coherence and depth.

While younger learners may find this linear presentation of information tedious, it provides for the elderly's needs for clarity and continuity. Unfortunately, older language learning textbooks that align with seniors' preferred methods of information presentation fall short in terms of relevance and accuracy. Over time, language evolves, rendering some lexical and grammatical aspects in these outdated materials obsolete or even incorrect. Developing new language learning materials that accommodate this preference could enhance older learners' comprehension and retention, ultimately fostering a more engaging and successful learning experience.

Keywords:

Spanish as a foreign language, adult learners, multitasking, experience.